The document outlines steps for creating an outline to summarize a reading selection: 1. Scan the reading and identify main topics and ideas by looking at headings and subheadings. 2. Read the first and last paragraphs and identify unfamiliar words. 3. Write the main idea as the top item of the outline. Then list sub-topics that support the main idea in a hierarchical structure. 4. Re-read to find details about each sub-topic to include in the outline. 5. Use the completed outline to write a summary in your own words.

2.  organize your research in order to prepare
a report.
 an overview of a document with the ideas
or information listed in a hierarchical order.
 The main idea is at the top, followed by
secondary or supporting ideas called sub-
topics.
 an ordered list of the topics or ideas.

3.  A condensed article using one’s own
words to present the main ideas.

4. Step #1
 Quickly scan the entire reading selection,
looking for the headings or sub-headings.
 Read the heading and sub-headings and
try to determine the main topics or ideas
contained in the reading selection.

5. Step #2
 Slowly read the first and last paragraphs.
 Look at the unfamiliar words you wrote
down and try to determine their meanings
from their context

6. Step #3.
 Begin an outline by writing what you think
is the main idea of the reading selection.
 Start making an outline by listing the main
idea as the top item and use the Roman
numeral one.
Example:
I. Layers of the Lithosphere (main idea)

7. Step #4
 Look for the first sub-topic.
 Sub-topics are broad categories or ideas, just not as
broad as the main idea.
 Details are the specifics about a sub-topic that
expand or support the main idea.
 List the first sub-topic on the outline
under the main idea.

8. Example:
I. Layers of the Lithosphere (main idea)
A. Crust (Sub-Topic 1)

9. Step #5
 Continue reading to find other sub-topics.
 Use a different letter for each.
Example:
I. Layers of the Lithosphere (main idea)
A. Crust (Sub-Topic 1)
B. Mantle (Sub-Topic 2)
C. Outer Core (Sub-Topic 3)
D. Inner Core (Sub-Topic 4)

10. Step #6
 Re-read the selection to find the details
about each sub-topic.
 Details are the evidence, facts, and information for
each sub-topic.

11. Example:
I. Layers of the Lithosphere
A. Crust (Sub-topic #1)
1. thinnest layer (detail)
2. 10 km-65 km deep (detail)
B. Mantle (Sub-topic #2)
1. lying under the crust (detail)
C. Outer Core (Sub-topic #3 )

12. Step #7
 Use your outline to write your summary.
 Include the main idea, the sub-topics, and
enough of the details to support the main
idea in your summary.The summary
should be in your own words.

13. The lithosphere includes all the solid
part of the Earth. It has four layers; the
crust, which is the thinnest layer; the
mantle, which is denser than the crust; the
outer core, has molten iron that brings the
Earth’s magnetic field; and the inner core,
which is the center of the earth.